The searchcoil angle and stem length should be adjusted so that the unit does not become uncomfortable or tiring to hold after long periods of use. The detector should rest in your hand with arm relaxed allowing it to swing back and forth without having to lift with the elbow or shoulder, while keeping the searchcoil as close as possible to the ground without touching. The pole length is adjusted by depressing the spring buttons and extending or shortening the lower stem, till they click into the holes that give you the most comfortable setting. The searchcoil should be about one inch above the ground while standing erect. Adjust the angle of the searchcoil, so that the coil is parallel to the ground. Tighten the searchcoil thumbnut by hand so that the searchcoil will maintain this setting.

The detector should be held in a position that is comfortable for you. Swing the detector from side to side in about a three foot arc, overlapping succeeding strokes well. This motion is called a “sweep.” The Stingray II was designed to get maximum depth without the frantic pace required of earlier motion detectors, so go at a pace that is comfortable for you. In fact, trying to hunt too fast in Discriminate may even cause a loss of depth in heavily mineralized locations.

It would be helpful to bury some coins and trash metal junk items in an area that you know is clear of other metal objects, and then try the unit in its various modes. Check the area in All Metal Mode first to be sure its clear of trash then bury the targets at least a foot apart, and from 2 to 6 inches deep to start. Make a map of the test bed to be sure you know what each target is and how deep it is. Practice on these targets to familiarize yourself with your detector’s target response. This will also help you learn the proper sweep rate for DISC operation.

In ALL METAL mode operation, keep the detector tuned so that it is just lightly buzzing. This is easy to do because the ground minerals do not affect the ALL METAL mode if properly adjusted. Regardless of which mode you are using, try to keep your searchcoil height constant and close to the ground. Most people tend to raise the coil at the end of a sweep, much like a pendulum, especially if they hurry. Try to avoid this, as any increase in height will cause a corresponding loss of depth.

In areas with well kept lawns, the easiest way to maintain a constant searchcoil height is to allow the coil to rest on the grass as you sweep from side to side. In rough and rocky areas it is best not to “scrub” the coil on the ground, as the rocks will act like abrasives, and wear away the coil bottom (an optional coil scuff cover will protect against this.) Sweep the coil as close to the ground as possible without touching. Hitting the ground or rocks may cause a false signal much like a desired target would. Sweeping the coil too high above the ground results in a loss of depth.

When operating in the Motion Discriminate Mode, some “false signals” may be caused by heavy concentrations of trash metal objects, by very large trash items, or by electrical interference. These signals will sound different than good target signals because they are generally short, choppy sounds. At the end of your sweep, as you the reverse the coil direction, the detector is most susceptible to trash induced noise. There are two ways to tell whether these sounds are good deep signals or trash “noise.” The first is by repeatability. Trash induced noises will not be regular as you sweep the coil over the suspected target several times, whereas a good target response will be repeatable. The second method is to switch to All Metal Mode and check the target response sound. If the response is weak, it may well be a deep, good target; but if the response is very strong, it is probably trash. Note that a coin close to the surface can give a double beep sound, but it is regular and repeatable. Raising the coil an inch or two will restore the single beep on surface targets.

If there is any doubt whether a target is good or not, DIG IT. For this same reason, in the Motion Discriminate Mode, it is best not to use a higher DISC LEVEL setting than necessary. Nickels and most smaller rings are rejected when the DISC LEVEL is set to reject pull tabs on any metal detector that is a TR Discriminator like the Stingray II. If you don’t dig any junk at all, you are surely passing up a lot of good finds as well. Set the DISC LEVEL only high enough to suit the conditions where you are searching.

PINPOINTING

The sweep speed of the detector is low enough to allow pin-pointing in the Motion Discriminate Mode, but will require a little more practice. Move the coil slowly from side to side and then from front to back over the target. Raising the coil slightly and slowing the sweep speed will narrow down the detection area enough that it's easy to tell where the coil center is at the instant of the sound.

Another easy method is to sweep the coil from side to side across the target in very short sweeps, as you slowly move forward and backward across the target. Slow down the sweep rate and shorten the sweeps until you just barely get a response at one spot. The target will be directly below the coil center at this response time.

The easiest way to pinpoint for most people will be to switch to the All Metal, since no motion is required. To pinpoint a target that doesn't saturate the audio, just move the coil forward and back, and side to side until you get the strongest sound. The target will be directly below the coil center. If the audio saturates over a large area, hold the coil over the target momentarily to detune the detector. This will narrow its field of response to allow you to once again seek the area of strongest response.

The Stingray II is equipped with an automatic battery test circuit so that you can always be sure you are getting top performance from it. The batteries should be checked after the detector has been on for about 10 minutes, and then periodically as you are using it for long periods. To test, follow the procedure described in the control section of this manual.

To install or replace the batteries, make sure the detector housing is dry then release the two draw bolts securing the control panel to the housing. Gently pull the control panel free, being careful not to twist or strain the ribbon cable connecting the control panel to the printed circuit board. Remove the foam insert and lift out the battery holder. Remove the battery terminal snap from the battery holder. The Stingray II takes 6 AA alkaline batteries. Make sure that the terminal polarity snaps fit tightly to the polarity snaps of the battery holder. A loose connection may cause the detector to fail to respond or to act erratically when operating. Also make certain that you follow the polarity indicators on both the battery holder as well as the batteries themselves. Place the terminal end against the foam insert when inserting the battery holder back into the battery compartment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Always make sure the instrument is dry before opening. Water, if allowed to make contact with the circuit board, may damage it. Always make sure the O-ring is clean and free of dirt or sand. It is recommend you wipe the O-ring with a dry cloth and look for damage and apply a new coat of diver's silicone grease before replacing. Failure to maintain the O-ring will result in extensive damage and will not be covered under warranty.

Congratulations, you have just purchased a new metal detector, and we wish to thank you for choosing Tesoro.

So many people are disappointed when their new "state of the art" detector because less and less exciting to use, and doesn't seem to go as deep anymore. There is something that you can do to keep your new detector working as good as when it was new.

The most important thing is to simply to remember that your detector is an electronic instrument, and to treat it as such. You wouldn't expect your TV set to operate properly if you stored it in the trunk of your car, would you?

We have generated the following list to help you take care of your detector and to help ensure that you do not void its warranty. If you will follow its guidelines, you will find your detector will not let you down.

• Operate your detector exactly as recommended in this instruction manual.
• Do not attempt to modify or repair the detector's electronics; caution: opening of control housing may void your warranty.
• Cable is hard wired into search coil, do not attempt removal of the spring retainer on the search coil housing.
• Use only high-quality carbon-zinc, alkaline, or nicad batteries. Never substitute a different voltage. Brand should not be mixed. Do not attempt to modify the power supply system.
• Never spray lubricants such as WD-40 or any type of cleaners, sealants or other chemical preparation on or into the detector.
• Avoid banging the searchcoil against rocks or foundation walls.
• Always protect searchcoil with a properly designed scuff cover.
• Remove and clean out scuff covers periodically to avoid build up of mineralized dirt particles which will affect performance.
• After each use, clean the detector with a soft cloth to remove dust, moisture, and other contaminants.
• Do not transport or store your detector in the trunk of your car.
• If your detector has a protective spring at the coil cable connector, be sure that the spring does not work its way inside the plug, causing a short. (On Tesoro detectors, the spring should extend approximately 5/8th from the base of the connector.)
• Keep cables properly wound around the pole stems and protect them during use. Floppy, pinched, or cables that become snagged during use may short, causing erratic noises or unnecessary replacement of the searchcoil.
• Protect your detector from dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures during storage. Avoid storing it in places such as attics, basements, or garages. When shipping, use the original factory carton or similar heavy-duty container; a one inch minimum clearance of padding around the detector must be provided when shipping.
• Treat your detector as you would any sensitive electronic instrument. Though ruggedly constructed and designed to withstand the demands of normal treasure hunting applications, it is not intended to be improperly operated or abused.

Selecting the right searchcoil for the type of detecting you are doing will add greatly to your success. The Stingray II is equipped with an 8" open center concentric style coil. To increase the flexibility of your Stingray II, Tesoro has designed it so that the searchcoil is replaceable by the user. Optional searchcoils of 7" and 10 1/2" are available through your dealer.

The 8" unit furnished as standard is probably the best overall coil size for use by most people, since it offers the best compromise as far as depth vs. target size are concerned. For people who need to find targets larger than coins, the 10 1/2" coil will greatly increase detection depth. For finding small pieces, such as some jewelry, the 7" coil will increase the detector’s response to smaller targets.

Your Tesoro metal detector is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, the terms of which are listed below. If your metal detector should require service, you may return it to the Tesoro factory at the address below.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

This instrument is warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship as long as it is owned by the original consumer purchaser. This warranty is not transferable, and is valid only if the warranty registration card has been completed and mailed within 10 days of purchase.

During the first two years, TESORO will, at its option, repair or replace any instrument covered by this warranty, without charge, except for transportation charges, at its factory in Prescott, Arizona, or at one of its authorized repair centers. After two years from date of purchase, TESORO will replace defective parts at no charge except a nominal labor change and transportation charges.

This warranty excludes batteries, damage caused by leaky batteries, cable breakage due to flexing on body mount units, and wear of the searchcoil housing. Also excluded are instruments which have been abused, altered, or repaired by an unauthorized party.

If warrant service should be necessary, contact the factory for nearest repair center.